A Path Unbound(Updates Monthly) (On Hiatus)

Chapter 7: A Familiar Face

The following week had been filled with a flurry of assignments and lectures, and Akira Kaneda was settling into his new routine. The days were a blend of studying, social interactions, and navigating the complexities of university life. As the weekend approached, he decided to take a break and explore a nearby park he had heard about from a fellow student.

The park was a peaceful retreat from the hustle and bustle of the city, with lush greenery and walking paths that invited quiet contemplation. Akira found a bench near a small pond and sat down, enjoying the serenity of the afternoon.

As he was lost in thought, he heard a familiar voice call out, "Kiyotaka?"

Akira turned in surprise, his heart skipping a beat. Standing a few feet away was Arisu Sakayanagi, a face from his past that he hadn't expected to see. She was dressed casually but carried an air of elegance that seemed effortless.

"Arisu," Akira said, standing up. "I didn't expect to run into you here."

Arisu approached with a smile, her eyes sparkling with recognition. "I had a feeling I might see you here. It's been a while, hasn't it?"

"Yes, it has," Akira said, trying to keep his composure. "How have you been?"

"I've been well," Arisu replied, taking a seat next to him on the bench. "It's nice to see a familiar face. How's university treating you?"

"Busy, but manageable," Akira said, relaxing into the conversation. "And you? How's everything going with you?"

"Quite well," Arisu said, her smile widening. "I'm doing well here at Tokyo University. I've been keeping busy with my studies and some extracurricular activities."

As they talked, the conversation flowed easily, and Akira found himself enjoying Arisu's company. Her presence was a reminder of a different time in his life, a time when things were more complicated but also more straightforward in some ways.

However, there was one issue that had been on his mind. "Arisu," he said, a bit hesitantly, "I've been meaning to ask you something."

Arisu looked at him with curiosity. "Yes?"

"I know it might sound a bit strange, but I'd prefer if you called me Akira Kaneda in public," he said. "It's important for me to keep that name separate from my past."

Arisu's expression softened, and she nodded in understanding. "Of course, Akira. I'll respect your wishes. It's important to honor your choices, after all."

"Thank you," Akira said, feeling a sense of relief. "I appreciate it."

They continued their conversation, reminiscing about their high school days and catching up on each other's lives. Akira was struck by how much Arisu had grown since their time in high school. She was still the sharp, perceptive individual he remembered, but there was a new layer of maturity and depth to her demeanor.

At one point, Arisu asked, "So, what are your plans now? Do you have any particular goals or aspirations?"

Akira considered her question. "I'm focusing on my studies right now, trying to figure out what path I want to take. I'm exploring different areas of psychology and seeing what interests me the most."

"That sounds like a good approach," Arisu said thoughtfully. "It's important to explore and find what truly resonates with you."

As the afternoon wore on, they decided to take a walk through the park, enjoying the fresh air and the beauty of the surroundings. The conversation continued to flow effortlessly, and Akira found himself feeling more at ease than he had anticipated.

As they neared the end of their walk, Arisu turned to Akira with a thoughtful expression. "You know, it's nice to reconnect like this. It reminds me of how much things have changed since high school, but also how some connections remain meaningful."

"I agree," Akira said, smiling. "It's good to catch up and see how far we've come."

They exchanged contact information and agreed to stay in touch. As they parted ways, Akira felt a sense of closure and renewal. Reconnecting with Arisu had been a positive experience, a reminder of his past and a reaffirmation of his present.

As Akira walked back to his dormitory, he reflected on the day's events. The encounter with Arisu had been unexpected but welcomed. It was another piece of the puzzle in his journey, a step toward integrating his past with his new identity. With each encounter and connection, Akira was building a more complete picture of who he was and who he wanted to become.